Hello Family & Friends, 

I'm once again helping to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the 2023 Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's. This will be my 14th year serving as a Team Captain – walking with friends and family as we are all committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care, and support. 

My grandma Tracy was a very strong, active woman. She and my grandpa worked hard on the family farm while raising a family of 4. After "retiring" from farm life they moved "to town" and she continued to drive school bus, sing in the church choir, and organized the church's luncheons while many others enjoyed retirement. This horrible disease slowly took away the person I knew, and we lost her to Alzheimer's in 2009. Fast forward 10 years, my Aunt (her daughter) was diagnosed with Dementia in May 2019 and since then her condition has worsened at a rapid rate. She no longer recognizes her own daughters or can call anyone by their names. She is no longer the Aunt I used to know and no longer enjoys the things she used to love such as cooking, gardening, crocheting, going to the casino and just spending time with family. In Feb 2022 she was moved to an assisted living/memory care residence to receive dedicated care around the clock. We, as a family and especially her daughters, are going through this all over again and it breaks our hearts. 

If you have ever been close to anyone with Alzheimer's, you know how sad it can be to interact with someone that no longer recognizes you – and if they do, it may just be for a quick minute. This disease is truly devastating, and no one should have to go through it.   

This horrible disease affects more than 6.5 million people in America alone – and that number is rising! Last year both our team and I had a record year for fundraising, but we cannot stop! No amount is too small, anything you can contribute will go a long way. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Together we can End Alzheimer's! If you cannot donate, please consider joining us on the walk!

Thank you for your support! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here.